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Man's Helmet

Date1880-1890

MediumStamped, white metal (possibly white bronze or nickel silver), with cotton drill lining, metal chin scales, and iron wire

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (interior circumference): 21in. (53.3cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection

Object number2003.205.0

DescriptionStamped, white metal helmet, possibly of white bronze or nickel silver ("German" silver). This helmet appears to be a costume piece. The white metal chin scales are made of thin, cheaply-made stamped metal, joined at the center front with a non-descript United States shield shape. They are fastened to the sides of the helmet by loops of iron wire soddered to the inside of the helmet. There is a stamped, white metal eagle and shield, similar to that found on the 1872 United States Army dress helmet, attached to the front of the helmet by means of two wire loops, crudely folded over inside the helmet. There is a plume socket on top of the helmet, fastened in with an iron screw and washer. The helmet has no sweatband, and it is lined with a tan, cotton drill lining, adjusted with a drawstring at the top. The lining is fastened into the helmet by means of a strip of tinned iron, which is soddered to the helmet in four places. Given the insubstantial nature of its construction, the helmet appears to have been made for theatrical costume or purely ceremonial use. Made in imitation of the 1880s style United States Army helmet.

Status

On view